[Possible involvement of pituitary hormones in bone metabolism]

Accumulating evidence clearly indicates both thyroid hormone and estrogen have a pivotal role in bone metabolism. Pituitary hormones, TSH and FSH, regulate circulating levels of thyroid hormone and estrogen, respectively. Recent works raise a possibility that either TSH or FSH also has its own direct effects on bone cells involved in bone resorption and formation. More recently, it is suggested that oxytocin and vasopressin are also involved in bone metabolism. However, several investigations of genetically manipulated model mice and clinical data from patients with certain diseases have provided inconsistent results. Thus, we need more data that answer the question whether or not each pituitary hormone is physiologically and pathophysiologically involved in controlling bone metabolism in human.